Jagmohan Dalmiya Donates His Eyes as Cricket's Who-Who Turn Up For Last Rites

People pay their last respects to Jagmohan Dalmiya.

© NDTV

Jagmohan Dalmiya's eyes have been donated to Vanmukta Eye Bank, a part of Susrut Eye Foundation and Research Centre, Kolkata. The BCCI president passed away on Sunday after suffering a cardiac arrest in Kolkata. (The Man Who Broke White Domination in Indian Cricket)

According to a BCCI statement, social welfare programmes about 'Eradication of Blindness' which included restoration of eye-sight through cornea grafting and transplantations were initiated by Dalmiya, who was also the president of Cricket Association of Bengal. (A Friend For South Africa And Bangladesh)

In keeping with cricket, Dalmiya's welfare programme's were widely known as 'Cricket for Life beyond Death' and 'Chance of Second Innings'.

On Monday, Dalmiya's last journey began from his 10 Alipore residence at 12.15pm. Indian cricket team director Ravi Shastri and BCCI bigwigs including secretary Anurag Thakur and Chief Administrative Officer Ratnakar Shetty were among those who paid homage to the late cricket administrator.

Dalmiya's body arrived at the CAB office in Eden Gardens at 12.50pm. The 75-year-old Dalmiya, who was admitted to the city's B.M. Birla Hospital on Thursday night, is survived by his wife Chandralekha, daughter Vaishali and son Abhishek.

"He was a dynamic personality and a true sport administrator loved by everyone in India and abroad. He was a visionary and a great sports administrator. He will be remembered for bringing in reforms to the game of cricket," said Thakur, after paying his last respects.

Several other top BCCI officials and dignitaries are expected to arrive in the city to pay their last respects to Dalmiya.